Write an equation based on the problem in the terms of x and solve the equation first number + second number + third number = 240 x + x + 1 + x + 2 = 240 3x + 3 = 240 3x = 240 - 3 3x = 237 x = 237/3 x = 79 The smallest number, x, is equal to 79
Find the next two numbers the second number = x + 1 the second number = 79 + 1 the second number = 80
the third number = x + 2 the third number = 79 + 2 the third number = 81